Overview

This bill aims to improve the well-being of future generations in the UK by requiring public bodies to consider long-term impacts in their decision-making. It establishes a Future Generations Commissioner to oversee this process, along with a Joint Parliamentary Committee to monitor progress.

Description

The bill mandates that public bodies (excluding devolved administrations) engage in sustainable development, defined as improving economic, social, environmental, and cultural well-being while adhering to the "future generations principle" (meeting present needs without compromising future generations' ability to meet theirs).

Key Responsibilities of Public Bodies:

• Set and publish well-being objectives aligned with national well-being goals (prosperity, resilience, health, equality, cohesive communities, vibrant culture, and responsible action).
• Publish annual reports on progress toward objectives.
• Conduct future generations impact assessments for policy changes.
• Report on and strive to increase preventative spending.

Role of the Future Generations Commissioner:

• Promote the future generations principle.
• Monitor public bodies' actions and provide advice and assistance.
• Conduct reviews and investigations into compliance.
• Publish annual reports assessing progress and recommending improvements.

Joint Committee on Future Generations:

• Examine bills for long-term impacts.
• Propose amendments to align legislation with the future generations principle.
• Conduct inquiries into long-term policy issues.

Government Spending

The bill doesn't specify direct government spending figures but will likely incur costs associated with establishing the Commissioner's office, the Joint Committee, and associated reporting and research activities. The bill also promotes preventative spending by public bodies, potentially increasing overall expenditure in the long term, although this is offset by a potential decrease in reactive, crisis-management spending.

Groups Affected

• Public Bodies: Required to adopt new procedures, potentially increasing workload and requiring additional resources.
• Government Departments: Must establish and regularly review well-being objectives.
• Future Generations Commissioner: New role with significant responsibilities for oversight and monitoring.
• Joint Committee on Future Generations: New committee with oversight responsibilities and potential influence on policy.
• Citizens: May benefit from improved long-term well-being, though increased scrutiny of public bodies' actions may also result in public debate and potential contention.

Powered by nyModel